LOOSEN (UP) Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

loosen (up) 1 of 2

verb (1)

Definition of loosen (up) next

as in to facilitate

to free from obstruction or difficulty hoped that adding a second lane would loosen up traffic on that street

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

loosen up

2 of 2

verb (2)

as in to relax

to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety a high-pressure job that makes it hard for him to loosen up even on weekends

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

tense (up)

Examples of loosen (up) in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Maybe things loosen up closer to training camp with prices going down. —

Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2024 If your brush is moderately gunky, try soaking it in hot water and disinfectant soap to loosen up and remove buildup. —

Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 9 Aug. 2024 It’s loosened up recently, however, with unemployment now at 4.1%, the highest level since November 2021, and new applications for jobless benefits on an upward trend. —

Bryan Mena, CNN, 7 July 2024 The show also illustrates how dress codes loosened up, allowing for less restrictive undergarment options and roomier evening options instead of elaborate gowns. —

Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 5 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for loosen (up)

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'loosen (up).' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.